Lead Environmental Advisor – Habitat & Water Regulation
Closing Date: 25/08/2025
Salary: Grade 7: £45,367 – £50,877
Location: Flexible
Natural Resources Wales reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date
Team / Directorate: Renewable Energy Advice Team / Evidence, Policy and Permitting
Starting salary: £45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments being paid each year (pro rata for part time applicants)
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (Part time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term time working considered – discussions at interview stage welcome)
Interview Date: 30/09/2025
Post number: 203995
The role
As Lead Specialist Advisor for Habitat Regulation and Water Framework Directive Assessments, you’ll be a strategic and knowledgeable environmental professional to lead the development and delivery of policies, strategies, and programmes related to environmental assessments—specifically Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments.
In this role, you’ll play a central part in ensuring the legislation is applied consistently and effectively to support policy ambitions around major infrastructure consenting, including in the fast-growing marine and offshore renewable energy sectors. You’ll stay at the forefront of changes in policy, legislation, technology, and market developments—translating these into practical advice for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Welsh Government, and the wider marine sector.
Collaboration is key. You’ll work closely with colleagues across NRW’s Marine Programme, including the Offshore Renewable Energy Programme, and contribute your expertise to cross-functional projects. You’ll also build and maintain strong relationships with external partners including colleagues from Welsh Government officials, sector representatives, consultants, and other nature conservation bodies.
This role reports to the Renewable Energy Advice Team Leader and offers the opportunity to make a real impact on the future of Wales’s marine environment.
As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.